Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition in Nepal

This research briefing presents three case studies that demonstrate how we used insights from formative qualitative research to create public service announcements (PSAs) in 12 districts of mid- and far-western Nepal.

We worked with local radio stations to target specific listener groups to influence individual, community and societal behaviour in relation to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), including menstrual hygiene and nutrition.

Publication date: April 2020

Authors: Sanjib Saha, Astha Siwakoti and Bhabasagar Ghimire

Since 1990, Nepal has made significant progress in improving WASH and nutrition, but practices remain poor in the country’s mid- and far-western regions. Lack of resources, poverty, difficult terrain, and social and discriminatory gender norms at the household and community level are major barriers to improving WASH and nutrition practices in these regions. 

This qualitative research sought to gain a nuanced understanding of existing knowledge, practices, attitudes and social norms regarding WASH and nutrition within communities, families and schools. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Media Action used insights from this research to develop a Theory of Change (ToC) and a communication framework to guide the production of radio PSAs - part of a behaviour change communication project funded by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This research explored not only existing WASH and nutrition practices and barriers to healthier behaviour but also identified what would motivate and trigger people to make positive behavioural changes. This, in turn, helped production teams to identify specific creative devices to motivate audiences and challenge norms, such as role modelling, personal testimonies and featuring diverse real-life stories.

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